Northeast Cape Fear River Fishing
Duplin County plus 3 other counties.
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The Northeast Cape Fear River through an angler’s eyes
The Northeast Cape Fear River threads Duplin County plus 3 other counties as a river. Its mapped line inside the state runs about 129 miles. Navassa lies closest, roughly 10 miles away. About 25% of its line lies in coastal or joint waters, where NCDMF rules also apply.
The stream has 2 active gauges. There are 6 launches along it.
Current on the Northeast Cape Fear River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Cape Fear River Near Chinquapin, Nc | 19 cfs, 1.63 ft gage height | Nov 14 7:30 am |
| Northeast Cape Fear R Nr Burgaw, Nc | 998 cfs, 2.06 ft gage height | Dec 12 11:45 pm Not updated since Dec 12, 2005. |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 14, 2026 8:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Boating access on the Northeast Cape Fear River
- Kenansville1 lane, 20 trailer spaces, Duplin County, inland waters
- Chinquapin1 lane, 8 trailer spaces, 1 dock, Duplin County, inland waters
- Waynes Landing1 lane, 11 trailer spaces, 2 docks, Duplin County, inland waters
- Sawpit Landing1 lane, 15 trailer spaces, 2 docks, Pender County, inland waters
- Holly Shelter2 lanes, 40 trailer spaces, 3 docks, Pender County, inland waters
- Castle Hayne4 lanes, 66 trailer spaces, 3 docks, New Hanover County, joint waters
NCWRC Boating Access Areas, USACE, USFS and OpenStreetMap; midpoint from the NCWRC trout layer or USGS NHDPlus lines.
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On the class map the Northeast Cape Fear River runs 75% inland, 25% joint and 0% coastal. The access areas are classed 6 inland and 1 joint.
The Wildlife Resources Commission has jurisdiction in inland waters, and the Division of Marine Fisheries has jurisdiction (except that pertaining to inland game fishes) in coastal waters. Both agencies have licensing and regulatory authority in joint waters.
| County | Boundary in 15A NCAC 03Q .0202 |
|---|---|
| New Hanover | Inland Waters north and Joint Waters south of a line beginning at a point on the west side 34° 26.5658' N – 77° 50.0871' W; running northeasterly along the southern side of NC 210 bridge to a point on the east side 34° 26.6065' N – 77° 49.9955' W. |
| Pender | Inland Waters north and Joint Waters south of a line beginning at a point on the west side 34° 26.5658' N – 77° 50.0871' W; running northeasterly along the southern side of NC 210 bridge to a point on the east side 34° 26.6065' N – 77° 49.9955' W. |
NCDMF limits on the tidal Northeast Cape Fear River
| Species | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 1 a day | 18-27 in | Year-round |
| Flounder (all species) | 1 a day | 15 in minimum | Sept. 1-14, 2026 |
| Spotted seatrout | 3 a day | 14-20 in, plus 1 over 26 in | Open (reopened July 1, 2026) |
| Weakfish | 1 a day | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Black drum | 10 a day | 14-25 in, plus 1 over 25 in | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Sheepshead | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Striped bass (Central Southern Management Area) | none may be kept | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Bluefish | 5 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Spanish mackerel | 15 a day | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC CoastJointWatersNC polygons, 15A NCAC 03Q .0202 and NCDMF proclamations, checked October 2026.
What you may keep from the Northeast Cape Fear River
No NCWRC rule names the Northeast Cape Fear River; statewide inland limits apply.
| Species | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | No closed season |
| Crappie | 20 a day | 8 in minimum | No closed season |
| Sunfish | 30 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
| White bass | 10 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
| Walleye | 8 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
| Rock and Roanoke bass | no creel limit | no size limit | No closed season |
| Blue, channel and flathead catfish | no creel limit | no size limit | No closed season |
| Trout (undesignated waters) | 7 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
NCWRC 2026-27 inland regulations. All North Carolina limits.
Neighbors of Northeast Cape Fear River on the map
Lakes close to Northeast Cape Fear River
- Lake Sutton7 miles
- Surf City Community Center Pond20 miles
Bait stores near Northeast Cape Fear River
- County Line Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Castle Hayne, under a mile
- Lee's Tacklebait and tackle shop, Cape Fear, 6 miles
- Roy's Bait & Tackle Shopbait and tackle shop, Wilmington, 6 miles
- Cape Fear Marinamarina, Wilmington, 8 miles
- Sportsman's Warehouse, 4715 New Centre Dr Ste Asporting goods store, Wilmington, 8 miles
Places to stay by Northeast Cape Fear River
- Murraysville6 miles
- Hampstead8 miles
- Ogden9 miles
- Navassa10 miles
Next rivers over from the Northeast Cape Fear River
- Cape Fear River7 miles
- Holly Shelter Creek18 miles
- Rice Creek18 miles
- Black River27 miles
Which counties Northeast Cape Fear River crosses
- Duplin County
- Pender County
- New Hanover County
- Wayne County
Spinning, baitcasting and a weigh grip
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Before a trip to the Northeast Cape Fear River
What part of North Carolina holds the Northeast Cape Fear River?
Look in Duplin County, Pender County, New Hanover County and Wayne County.
Which trout rules cover the Northeast Cape Fear River?
It is not Public Mountain Trout Water.
When do trout go into the Northeast Cape Fear River?
No 2026 stocking is scheduled.
Is a USGS station posted on the Northeast Cape Fear River?
USGS runs 2 USGS gauges; the table is above.
Which put-ins reach the Northeast Cape Fear River?
Access records list 6 launches; Castle Hayne is one.
What are the creel limits on the Northeast Cape Fear River?
Nothing beyond statewide limits.
What license fee applies on the Northeast Cape Fear River?
Inland waters take an NCWRC inland fishing license from age 16 ($32 resident, $56 nonresident).
Who sells bait close to the Northeast Cape Fear River?
County Line Bait & Tackle, about under a mile away.
Where do I find lodging by the Northeast Cape Fear River?
Navassa is nearest, around 10 miles.
Spend time on the Northeast Cape Fear River
Check the class and the flow before you drive.